I've been thinking about this for a while, and yesterday when I read Jules' post where she said she rarely used the word covet...I could only agree that it was one of those words that shouldn't be given a 'run' all that often.
the covetable doors in question :)
In this blogging world it's all too easy to see things that we covet, or want, or desire...but perhaps rarely need. I have to say...and I realise I may lose some of you on this...I find this language a bit disturbing at times. And I know there's no malice or bad intent in the use of these words, and I've no doubt used some of them myself...but still.
Maybe it's because I used to be an absolutely rampant consumer and knew that my consumerism was a substitute for other things that were lacking in my life. Nothing like a reformed chronic consumer hey?
Maybe it's because I've already got most of the things that I 'need'!
Maybe it's because I think that saying 'I'd really quite like' is much nicer than saying 'I want'.
Maybe it's because I'm uncomfortable with the notion of never being satisfied with what we have.
The word covet to me has very negative connotations. By definition it's about desiring something that others have; it smacks of jealousy and is linked with greed. Also...it's very old testament; right up there with smiting and begetting! Although begetting's not such a bad thing :)
Or perhaps I'm just being a right royal pain in the butt.
What do you think? About the word covet I mean, not about me being a pain...you can remain silent on that score. I get quite enough of that at home :)
Maybe it's because I used to be an absolutely rampant consumer and knew that my consumerism was a substitute for other things that were lacking in my life. Nothing like a reformed chronic consumer hey?
Maybe it's because I've already got most of the things that I 'need'!
Maybe it's because I think that saying 'I'd really quite like' is much nicer than saying 'I want'.
Maybe it's because I'm uncomfortable with the notion of never being satisfied with what we have.
The word covet to me has very negative connotations. By definition it's about desiring something that others have; it smacks of jealousy and is linked with greed. Also...it's very old testament; right up there with smiting and begetting! Although begetting's not such a bad thing :)
Or perhaps I'm just being a right royal pain in the butt.
What do you think? About the word covet I mean, not about me being a pain...you can remain silent on that score. I get quite enough of that at home :)
image via bits of truth
Having said all that....I'd really quite like one of these carved books:))
found here
I used to covet other men's wives, but now I see how it has all turned out, I covet their antique glass instead.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Kerry, I don't use the word but it does seem to have a little bit of negativity associated with it.
ReplyDeleteI have a 'Major wishlist' I have written in my agenda, but when I look at it, I don't think I'm asking for much as it includes a wardrobe, Ikea frames, new sheets and a cake piping set!!! I don't set my sights very high, so I? No realy, I do have fancy things on the list but realise it wont kill me if I don't acquire them. Living on a very tight budget has made me appreciate what I have and helps me realise I don't constantly need 'stuff' to be happy.
Have a happy Friday! x
I don't really notice the use of covet very much but I have definately titled posts with I want, I want..... but that is just me being bloggy and dramatic! I love listing all the gorgeous and outrageous and totally unnecessary things I would love one day but of course we all know that the most important things aren't things :) Have a wonderful weekend xx
ReplyDeleteYou probably have noticed that I write a lot about my shopping addiction {a~hem}, and today was another example. Seriously, when my husband looked at the UPS cartons and boxes set out for the trash at the curb, he was a bit grim. Lately I have been trying to put it in perspective. I don't think I am missing something in my home, or wardrobe or what have you, it's something else. Maybe something missing inside. I would need a lot of therapy to figure that one out. I have seen it in other bloggers as well...this need to covet material things.
ReplyDeleteI wrote the quote you have posted on my calender and I will see it often. Hopefully I can learn by it as well.
Happy Thursday, Kerry!
XO,
Jane
So true! Sometimes in this world of "things" we overlook our truest blessing - time with those we love. Doesn't mean we can't appreciate beauty, but maybe not aspire to acquire quite so much...
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense! Want/ need are two very different things...have a lovely weekend! Emma.
ReplyDeleteYep, we all need a little reminding now and then that wants and needs are actually two different things. It's human nature to sometimes want what others have, but I try to remind myself how lucky I am, and not dwell on all the other trivial stuff. Having said that, I would rather like a new iPad - in particular, I would rather like the Martha Stewart Living app :) Have a great weekend sweet, K xx
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. There are certainly things I desire or wish to own, so I guess I do covet things in that sense of the word. However, covet can also mean to desire what belongs to another and I think that's where the negative connotations come in for me. Interesting post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think you've raised two points here Kerry, my dear ...
ReplyDeleteOne is the overuse of words in inappropriate contexts (eg 'hero' being used in the same sentence as a news story on a sportsperson) ... I think that demonstrates that many people don't make the best use of the English language ...
Two is the issue of consumerism and greed and the need for people to feel good about themselves only when they 'possess' certain labels or items.
If I was to be honest, I'm guilty of both sins. However, the rapaciousness for designer labels, and other consumer goods, that I see on some blogs is a bit of a worry.
You've got a great ability to write interesting and thought provoking posts.
well, look at that. cool discussion darl.
ReplyDeleteI dont know why it is exactly that i dont use it. i think it may have something to do with it gives me thoughts of a controlling kind of need, rather than a celebration. I think i say "i love" a lot more often. And even though i know that too is a word bandied about far too often, i think when used for art, design, fashion and champagne it can never be used too much : )
have a great weekend treasure xx